Darragh Foley aims to use “awkward” Akeem Ennis Brown as springboard to big fights in 2019
World-ranked light welterweight Darragh Foley [15(8)-2(0)-1] is confident of defeating a tricky foe and adding the IBF European title to his list of achievements this weekend in London.
The Sydney-based, Boston-trained, Irishman is back home at present and will soon head out to take on the unbeaten Akeem Ennis Brown [11(1)-0] on Friday night.
Foley has stepped in to replace Johnny Coyle for the BoxNation headliner at the York Hall, his second fight in UK.
With the 140lb scene buzzing both domestically and internationally, Foley is eager to use the opportunity as a springboard to booking clashes with even bigger names.
The straight-talking and ever-entertaining Blanchardstown boxer started the year with a big victory over Canadian Steven Wilcox and, following an unfortunate draw with Chris Jenkins, wants to bookend 2018 with another big win so he can start writing a world level story.
“I’ll just go in and let it flow and victory on Friday night will give me a great springboard for 2019. It’ll finish the year off on a high just like I started it by beating the [WBA] world No. 8.
“I’ll be perfectly placed for big fights in 2019,” added the 30-year-old.
Foley has won WBA, WBO and WBC ranking titles before and is #5 with the WBA and #15 with the WBO.
‘Super’ claims he already is used to the spotlight from TV cards in Australia and the UK and feels he goes into his clash with Brown with no added pressure as a result.
Foley outlined how “I’m excited to get in there again. There’s no added pressure for this one. It’s no big thing for me because I’ve headlined TV cards in Australia for years.”
“It’s just another day at the office for me. I won’t let the occasion get to me,” he added before suggesting Brown has the potential to cause him problems.
“We know Brown is tricky if you let him be. He’s got an unconventional style and he can make it an ugly fight. I never worry too much about what my opponent’s going to do, though. I just worry about myself.”
The fighter has moved his camp to Boston and is training alongside TJ Doheny unde Hector Bermudez and believes he is reaping the benefits of the move.
With long-time trainer Tony Del Vecchio still involved, it’s a perfect situation for Foley and the rangy banger noted that “I’m in super shape heading into this one.”
“I’ve been in Boston working hard and I was in good shape even before I came out here. I’ve sparring against bigger, stronger, heavier men and I’m learning every day.”
“This is the second camp I’ve done out under Hector Bermudez. I also brought over my strength and conditioning coach so it’s been a perfect partnership between the two of them. Everything has been catered for and I’m raring to go.”
